Counselling older adults requires an understanding of the unique challenges of aging. Designed for carers, support workers, or anyone new to the field, this course will build your confidence and skills to support older adults with emotional, psychological, and social issues.
The Certificate of Aged Care Counselling is a professional development course that provides the skills to deliver thoughtful, person-centred care that respects dignity and life experience.
In this aged care counselling course, you’ll explore how ageing impacts identity, mental health, and daily life. You will learn about managing low mood, anxiety, grief, memory loss, and changing family roles. You will also discover basic counselling approaches, including active listening, goal setting, and how to support someone through conversations about loss, illness, or life transitions.
You will explore key legal and ethical responsibilities, including supporting informed consent, respecting privacy, and maintaining professional boundaries. You will also learn how to handle sensitive topics like end-of-life care and use story work, journalling, and creative activities to support clients.
On completion of this course, you will have a solid foundation in aged care counselling and the confidence to provide emotional support in a respectful, meaningful way.
Course Structure
Certificate of Aged Care Counselling
Unit 1: Ageing and Human Development
- What is ageing?
- Biological and social aspects
- Overview of ageing in society
- Developmental theories
- Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory
- Atchley’s Continuity Theory
- Disengagement and Activity Theories of Ageing
- Identity, purpose, and transitions in later life
Unit 2: Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing
- Mental health and emotional wellbeing
- Depression and anxiety in older adults
- Dementia: types, signs, and progression
- Supporting emotional health
- Impact of cognitive changes on daily life
Unit 3: Physical Health and Lifestyle
- Physical health and lifestyle
- Common health issues in ageing
- Exercise and healthy ageing
- Diet and health ageing
- Medication: benefits and risks
- Pain management and mobility support
- Sexuality and body image in later life
Unit 4: Relationships and Social Support
- Relationships and social support
- Evolving family and friendship dynamics
- Role of community and peer support
- Addressing loneliness and isolation
- Building healthy relationships in aged care
Unit 5: Counselling Approaches for Older Clients
- Counselling approaches for older clients
- Practical counselling techniques
- Adapting CBT for older adults
- Solution-focused approaches
- Live review and reminiscence
- Communication styles that work
- One-on-one sessions
- Group sessions
- Family sessions
- Cultural and individual sensitivity
Unit 6: Grief, Loss and Bereavement
- Grief, loss and bereavement
- Understanding grief
- Supporting clients through long-term grief
- Special situations in aged care counselling
- Bereavement tools and support networks
- Journalling
- Memory books and photo albums
- Creative expression
- Rituals and remembrance activities
- Guided workbooks and grief resources
Unit 7: Terminal Illness and End-of-Life Support
- Terminal illness and end-of-life support
- Coping with terminal diagnoses
- Dementia care strategies
- Supporting daily life, sleep, and behaviour
- Preparing for death: emotional and practical aspects
Unit 8: Ethics, Consent and Professional Boundaries
- Ethics, consent and professional boundaries
- Legal and ethical concerns in aged care
- Confidentiality and informed consent
- Euthanasia and end-of-life decisions
- Ethical practice and role limitations
- Professional boundaries
Study Hours
Estimated duration 40 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Approval and Recognition
Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.
Testimonials
Click to See What Our Students Say
Easily accessed and very quick responses to assignments and questions.
J. Cartwright, Nuriootpa, SA | Certificate of Aged Care Counselling
I found the course comprehensive and covered a large range of areas in aged care.
S. Petch, Eldorado, VIC | Certificate of Aged Care Counselling
I really enjoyed this course, once I got the hang of it. Will be looking at doing more in the future.
J. Williams, Botanic Ridge, VIC | Certificate of Aged Care Counselling
Great experience doing this course and have learned a lot from it.
Matthew | North Geelong, VIC | Certificate of Aged Care Counselling
When I enrolled for the course in September last year, I thought I would complete it by the end of the year. But due to my husband’s ill health, I took extra time, which was worth it. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and recommend to other students. Thanks for the support provided.
Shakunthala | Notting Hill, VIC | Aged Care Counselling
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Counsellors
- Aged Care Workers
- Life Style Support Workers
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